ArmInfo. A protest by Armenian freight forwarders is taking place outside the Armenian government building.
The protest was prompted by amendments to the Federal Law on the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens in the Russian Federation, according to which citizens of visa- free countries entering the Russian Federation for purposes other than employment (i.e., without a corresponding stamp on their migration card) may stay in the country for no more than 90 days within a 180-day period. This restriction also applies to drivers transporting freight and passengers, despite the fact that they are actually performing labor duties.
The freight forwarders are demanding a return to the previous regime, which allowed them to stay in the Russian Federation for 180 days. A 90-day period is insufficient for Armenian forwarders, given the unstable conditions in Upper Lars, the weather, etc. Such regulations pose a serious economic risk, as violations, even if forced, result in entry bans for drivers into the Russian Federation for periods ranging from three to ten years.
Days earlier, during a press conference, Tatevik Bezhanyan, an expert on the migration program at Armenian Caritas, reported that appeals had already been received from 74 Armenian citizens, of whom 13-14 had been banned from entering Russia for five years. The remaining citizens were subject to fines, including the freezing of their bank accounts.
Armenian Economy Minister Gevorgyan approached the protesters. He assured those gathered that the government was more concerned and focused on resolving this issue than the drivers themselves. "If I say anything unnecessary about the process now, it might only do harm." "But believe me, we're working on this issue at the highest level in the EAEU, and I really hope it will be resolved," the minister said, assuring that work on this issue will continue until a result is reached. He emphasized that 90 days is an unworkable option for Armenian truckers, as they can only park at Lars for 90 days a year, if not more. Papoyan urged against comparing the current situation for Armenian drivers with those in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, noting that the latter don't have "Upper Lars."
But the drivers aren't going to back down. They've stated that if the problem isn't resolved, they intend to close the roads.
"We demand the 180 days be returned. We told Papoyan that this isn't our problem, but theirs. We don't like spending the night on the streets. But when the weather is unfavorable, who's to blame: me or him?" "We're approaching Lars-there's a queue of 3,000 cars, and the daily capacity is 200-300. Who's to blame: me or him again? Neither of us! You again! These are your software problems," the drivers complained. They emphasized that the government's problems must be addressed appropriately, because the economy depends on it.
